UAE Sextortion

Unfortunately, a number of residents are becoming victims of sextortion crimes in the UAE. This crime is done through social media where blackmailers engage in friendly conversations and get cozy with the victims. These blackmailers use fake identities and then persuade victims to perform sexual acts. Sometimes, they also force them to share explicit videos, photos and even messages. Later, these blackmailers threaten to share those videos, messages and photos with family and friends if they do not agree to pay a handsome amount of money.

Mostly Youngsters are the Victims

These swindlers usually target teenagers. They are not educated enough about the pitfalls of the online exposure. Hence, they take advantage of their immaturity which leaves the teenagers vulnerable and helpless. Additionally, Director of Dubai’s Security Company, Whispering Bell, David Michaux says that teenagers are unaware of the technical security, hence they are unable to safeguard themselves or their gadgets from malware, trojans, viruses etc.

He further added that children seem to pick up new trends faster than adults due to the growing sites for social media networks and other applications. With this in practice, the UAE government is ignoring a broad area that should be addressed first for their teenager’s better future. Though there are certain limitations for children, which are limited to providing internet restrictions and anti-virus programs in the UAE that put off users from surfing inappropriate and dangerous sites. Smart teenagers also know how to unblock those sites and get through those restrictions.

Teenagers Need to Wary

Teenagers are immature; they may get involved in such activities and be friends with strangers, thinking they are genuine with them. But the reality can literally haunt them. This is why teenagers should be wary and not trust everyone easily. In fact, it is better not to respond to such fake IDs in the first place. There are chances of them being linked with social media, cyber stalking, blackmailing, identity theft, and setting up fake profiles.

Fake Profiles Used For Cybercrime

Sextortion is one of the forms of cybercrime which is carried out using the social media. Fraudsters and blackmailers make fake profiles. According to David, there are around 5% fake profiles on Twitter and approximately 11% fake profiles on Facebook.

Most of the fake profiles are created by blackmailers which are then used for cheating on people. Teenagers should not trust these fake online personals. Also, children should be educated about the prospective dangers of the online world.

Tips on UAE Sextortion

If a teenager or someone is a victim of sextortion, they may feel intimidated, embarrassed or ashamed to share about it. This is what the blackmailers ultimately want, in order to get money from you.

Here are some tips for you to follow in case you are really embarrassed, yet want to do something about it.

Do not panic; just take your case to the police

Do not talk to the criminals or blackmailers anymore. Take the screenshots of the conversation. Also, report the account.

Make sure that you do not delete any correspondence and try to preserve the evidence.

Besides teenagers, adults between twenty-one to thirty years of age may also become a victim of sextortion. Now that you know the prospective worst consequences, it is better not to get involved in such activities and be wary of such fraudsters.